GOVERNOR, CHANCELLOR HELP CELEBRATE UNG'S 150TH

By Clark Leonard

PHOTOS BY ALYSSA ANNIS

UNG continued to celebrate its 150th anniversary with a Corps of Cadets review by Gov. Brian Kemp at Liberty Plaza across from the State Capitol in Atlanta on March 7. Lt. Gov. Burt Jones, University System of Georgia Chancellor Sonny Perdue, Maj. Gen. Dwayne Wilson, and Senate Majority Leader Steve Gooch Steve Gooch also participated in the event.

"We need more young minds like you in our society, and that is why I'm glad to know the University of North Georgia will continue to grow and thrive in its next 150 years," Kemp said. "It is a place of patriotism, and today we celebrate not only that great history, but also its exciting future."

Perdue lauded the way UNG develops leaders through its Corps of Cadets.

"I'm delighted that we still have young men and women who are committed to the safety of our nation," Perdue said. "The culture of leadership development at UNG is one of the best in the nation."

UNG's yearlong Sesquicentennial celebration, highlighted by events like the one at Liberty Plaza, has served as an opportunity to honor the university's heritage, celebrate its present achievements, and focus on where it will lead next.

UNG President Bonita Jacobs received a commendation from Kemp and Georgia Senate and House of Representatives resolutions in honor of the milestone.

"As we seek to produce future generations of military leaders, I am very grateful to the University System of

Georgia Board of Regents, to our state legislators, and to Governor Kemp for their ongoing support and commitment to our plans to expand and modernize our Military Leadership Center so that we can continue to support our outstanding cadets," Jacobs said.

A day before UNG’s visit, legislative leaders approved $1.3 million in design funds for a new UNG Military Science Center in the amended Fiscal Year 2023 state budget. Gooch, who earned a Bachelor of Business Administration in management and a Master of Public Administration from UNG, helped secure the funding and has seen first-hand the university's impact in his district.

"UNG has made a difference in our region for generations," Gooch said.

Wilson, a 1993 UNG graduate, serves as commanding general for the Georgia Army National Guard. About 200 UNG cadets serve annually in the Georgia Army National Guard while in college, and 40 of them per year commission as second lieutenants when they graduate. Wilson noted that more than half of the Georgia Army National Guard's company and battalion commanders are UNG alumni.

"Thank you for your willingness to serve and to lead," Wilson said. "I know you are up for the challenges ahead."

Jacobs noted that, for 150 years, UNG’s Corps of Cadets has been a signature element of the university, and that the military education program still is an essential part of the university’s mission today.

UNG President Bonita Jacobs received a commendation from Gov. Brian Kemp celebrating UNG's 150th anniversary.

State Sen. Steve Gooch, a UNG alumnus, addresses the cadets and audience. He helped secure funding for UNG's Military Science Center expansion in the Fiscal Year 2023 amended budget.

“Our graduates continue to serve in some of the most demanding and complex state, national and global assignments,” she said, as she recognized three alumni in attendance who are among the more than 60 general officers UNG has produced.

The three alumni, all from Georgia, who are flag officers and were members of the stage party are: retired Maj. Gen. Bil Johnson, '72, retired Lt. Gen. Burke Garrett, '81, and retired Gen. Stephen Townsend, '82.

A large contingent of state legislators attended the celebration on Liberty Plaza. Among those lawmakers were Sen. Max Burns, former dean of UNG's Mike Cottrell College of Business; Sen. Shelly Echols, '02; Rep. Stan Gunter, '81, and Rep. Will Wade, '01.

For more information on UNG's 150th anniversary, including photos and video from the event at the Capitol, visit the Sesquicentennial Celebration website at ung.edu/150.

Cadets grateful for experience at Capitol

About 50 University of North Georgia (UNG) cadets embraced the opportunity to take part in a review by Gov. Brian Kemp marking UNG's 150th anniversary at Liberty Plaza across from the State Capitol in Atlanta on March 7.

Retired Col. Joseph Matthews, UNG commandant of cadets, expressed gratitude that UNG's Corps of Cadets was able to shine on such a high-profile stage.

"The 150-year history of the UNG Corps of Cadets was possible due to the unwavering support of our state leaders. Because of their support, the Military College of Georgia will continue to have the resources to educate and train the best leaders for our state and nation," Matthews said. "The sampling of cadets who formed on Liberty Plaza did an excellent job of representing the entire Corps of Cadets. Their discipline and professionalism reflect the quality of military and civilian leaders UNG will continue to produce for the next 150 years."

Cadet Capt. Bellana Bradley, a senior from Powder Springs, Georgia, pursuing a degree in biology as a pre-med student, said it was an honor to meet Kemp; University System of Georgia Chancellor Sonny Perdue; and Maj. Gen. Dwayne Wilson, '93, commanding general of the Georgia Army National Guard.

"It was a day to absorb all my surroundings, make connections and open my eyes more in regard to the bigger picture," Bradley, Golf Company commander, said. "Social events, especially, are out of my comfort zone, but it's important to get uncomfortable. Being uncomfortable is the best way to develop yourself because you get to try new things that may develop you personally and as a leader."

Cadet Col. Warren Walker, a senior from Cumming, Georgia, pursuing a degree in cybersecurity, serves as the Corps of Cadets brigade commander.

"It was an honor to lead our cadets in front of such a prestigious audience that included Gov. Kemp, Chancellor Perdue, and Maj. Gen. Wilson," Walker said. "It is truly a blessing to have such strong support from our state officials, and it is important for our program to keep a strong relationship with those who directly impact our lives as students, cadets and Georgia residents."

About 200 UNG cadets serve annually in the Georgia Army National Guard while in college, and 40 of them per year commission as second lieutenants when they graduate. Wilson noted that more than half of the Georgia Army National Guard's company and battalion commanders are UNG alumni.